Pakistanis mark Eidul Adha with devout fervour and timeless traditions

Pakistan has commenced the three-day-long religious tradition of sacrificing sacred animals in the name of Almighty Allah, marking Eidul Adha with devout fervor and timeless customs today (Monday).

Early morning Eid congregations took place across the country and later people began sacrificing animals including sheep, goats, camels, bulls, and oxen. 

This was observed across the country that people espeically the children decorated their animals with colorful garlands, sterling bands, embellished belts, and crowns.

 Local administrations in major cities, including Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Quetta, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Hyderabad, Bahawalpur, Sibi, and Mardan, directed relevant authorities to ensure the swift disposal of sacrificial animal carcasses.

Law enforcement agencies (LEAs) have implemented a coordinated plan to prevent any untoward incidents. Walkthrough gates were installed at mosque and imambargah entrances, and police personnel conducted security checks using metal detectors on those attending prayers.

The Met Office predicts a heatwave in the country on Eid Day, with continental air dominating most parts and a shallow westerly wave likely to approach northern parts from Tuesday. Similar weather conditions are predicted for the next two days.

President Asif Ali Zardari celebrated Eid in Nawabshah. He arrived at his hometown yesterday for the purpose. Member National Assembly and daughter of Former Prime Minister Shaheed Benazir Bhutto, Asifa Bhutto Zardari has arrived at Nawabshah to celebrate Eid-ul-Azha with his Father President Asif Ali Zardari at Zardari House in Nawabshah.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif celebrated Eid in Lahore. Both the dignities offered Eid prayers in their native cities. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Salman Shahbaz offered Eid prayers in Model Town Lahore. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif prayed for the security of the nation after Eid. 

Federal Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi offered Eid-ul-Adha prayers in Lahore. He exchanged Eid greetings and felicitations with loved ones, relatives, and people.

Punjab Chief Minsiter Maryam Nawaz also celebrated Eid in Lahore along with her family members. Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sardar Ali Amin Khan Gandapur offered Eid-ul-Azha prayers in his native district Dera Ismail Khan.

The ruling Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz group (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif offered the Eidul Adha prayer at his residence in Jati Umra, Lahore. His sons, Hussain Nawaz and Hassan Nawaz also offered Eid prayers with him.

The majority of judges of the Supreme Court (SC) and the Lahore High Court (LHC) also celebrate Eid in Lahore. SC judges namely Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, Justice Ameenuddin Khan, and Justice Ayesha A Malik are in Lahore for the occasion.

Similarly, Justice Shahid Waheed of the apex court, former chief justice of Pakistan (CJP) Tassaduq Hussain Jillani also celebrated Eid in the provincial capital.

Likewise, Justice Shujaat Ali Khan, Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan, Justice Ali Baqar Najafi, Justice Miss Alia Neelum, Justice Abid Aziz Sheikh of the LHC will also celebrate Eid in Lahore.

As promised by Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori, 100 camels, 100 goats and 10 cows slaughtered at the Governors’ House during the Eid days. The packets of the meat as well as ration are also being distributed among deserving people.

The sale and purchase of sacrificial animals all over the country continued on Eid day too as people visited animal markets to get the animals of their choice to fulfill the command of Allah Almighty.

Over 6,000 police personnel, including 6 SPs, 22 DSPs, 83 SHOs and 480 upper subordinates guarded Eid congregations in Lahore as the provincial administration beefed up the security.

The CCPO Lahore made it clear that the police will make sure that directives issued by the Punjab government regarding the collection of hides after the slaughter of animals are implemented in true letter and spirit.

Reporters: Malik Ashraf, Khursheed Rehmani and Ali Ramay